Rumours are rife that the TRS may go for early elections in the next few months. Though the BJP is ‘sympathetic’ towards Raja, it may not lift the suspension on the legislator immediately. In that case, the BJP has to field another leader from Goshamahal, considered as party’s stronghold.
Sources in the BJP said if Raja is not entering the fray from Goshamahal in the assembly elections, he will be fielded from Hyderabad Lok Sabha seat, for which the elections are due in 2024 as the party is not likely to continue his suspension for more than six months.
“There is no doubt the party is with Raja as he enjoys considerable support from party leaders and workers in the constituency even now. However, the party leadership may continue his suspension at least for six months,” a senior leader said.
Leaders recall that Raja’s candidature was considered by the leadership for Hyderabad Lok Sabha in 2019 too, but he preferred to continue as an MLA from Goshamahal.
Party sources said if Raja does not contest, the party is likely to consider Congress ex-minister Mukesh Goud’s son Vikram Goud or senior leader Bhagwanth Rao from Goshamahal. Some local leaders are also aspiring for the coveted ticket.
Vikram Goud joined the BJP in November 2020 just before the GHMC elections and is a front runner for the party ticket. After Maharajgunj constituency was merged with Goshamahal during delimitation of assembly constituencies in 2008, Mukesh Goud contested twice from Goshamahal in 2014 and 2018, but was unsuccessful.
Bhagwanth Rao, who is a senior leader from the constituency, had contested in 2014 and 2019 Lok Sabha elections against AIMIM candidate Asaduddin Owaisi from Hyderabad. In both the elections, he secured 26% and 32% of votes respectively, but lost with over two lakh vote margin.